A pair of 0-2 teams will clash in Minnesota on Sunday when the Vikings host the Chargers at 1:00 p.m. ET. Which side will avoid a dreaded 0-3 start? Keep reading for betting odds, trends and our prediction for this Chargers vs. Vikings matchup.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
451 Los Angeles Chargers (+1) at 452 Minnesota Vikings (-1); o/u 54
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, September 24, 2023
U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
TV: FOX
Chargers vs. Vikings Public Betting Information
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 57% of public bettors are currently backing the Chargers when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however. Check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Los Angeles Chargers
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Chargers EDGE Joey Bosa (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 3 against the Vikings. Bosa played through the hamstring last week but was limited to 19 snaps. Despite the pitch count, Bosa racked up two sacks and two TFLs. Per Pelissero, he will see his workload scaled up versus Minnesota. Bosa will still be subbed off to help prevent his hamstring issue from worsening, but it sounds like things are progressing in the right direction for the star defender.
Minnesota Vikings
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said RB Cam Akers is “more than likely” out for Week 3 against the Chargers. O’Connell said Akers is expected to be ready for Week 4. Traded mid-week, Akers simply didn’t have enough time to get a meaningful amount of the playbook under his belt. Understandably, Minnesota will roll with Ty Chandler as their backup for another week. Once active, Akers should take some carries off Alexander Mattison’s plate, though Mattison will remain the starter. With both banks sitting near the bottom of the league in nearly every efficiency metric, this is a situation to avoid once Akers is active.
Chargers vs. Vikings Prediction
This game is going to be a shootout. The Chargers play man-to-man defense more than most teams in the league and Vikings’ QB Kirk Cousins thrives when facing man. Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison will feast on the Chargers’ secondary. On the other side, Justin Herbert won’t have much issue moving the ball against Minnesota’s shaky defense, either. The total for this game is high for a reason, but these teams will combine for enough scoring.